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Osteoarthritis: Surgery for Joint Pain Relief

 

Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty) for Joint Pain Relief

Joint replacement can help relieve osteoarthritis pain so you move (and feel) better. Knees and hips are replaced most often, along with shoulders, elbows, fingers, ankles and other joints.

Total joint replacement is typically recommended when osteoarthritis has progressed to such a severe point that there is total loss of cartilage, with the femur and tibia grinding against each other in a condition known as "bone-on-bone."

Here are some signs that joint replacement may be called for at this time in your life:

  • Osteoarthritis joint pain wakes you from sleep, so it's hard to get a good night's rest.
  • No matter how many medications you try, the pain doesn't quit.
  • The pain makes you avoid outings or vacations you would enjoy.
  • Even simple activities around the house are painful, like getting out of a chair or going upstairs.

Benefits and Risks of Total Joint Replacement

More than 90% of people who have joint replacement have satisfactory outcomes. Improvements include:

Better, easier joint movement
  • Relief of joint pain when other therapies haven't worked
  • Realignment of deformed joints, improving their function and appearance

      Of course, there are risks with any surgery. Your risk will depend on the type of joint replacement, as well as your:

      • General health
      • Osteoarthritis severity
      • Age
      • Body weight (very heavy weight may wear out the joint sooner)
      • Nutritional state
      • Bone density and any bone deformities and/or stiffness
      • Occupation -- for example, joint replacements usually aren't recommended for people who do heavy labor

      In particular, discuss your risk of blood clots with your surgeon.

      New joints typically last between 10 and 15 years. When they wear out, the joint can be replaced, or a procedure called "revision joint surgery" may be done. In this surgery, special metal and plastic parts are used to replace the joint and any damaged bone.

      Some medical conditions can make joint replacement unsuitable, depending on the particular surgeon and patient. Besides obesity, these may include:

      • Severe mental, emotional, or neurologic disorder
      • Advanced osteoporosis or another chronic medical condition

      What Happens During Total Joint Replacement

      Since each type of joint replacement is different, let's assume you're having total Knee Replacement.

      Once you're under general or regional Anesthesia, an orthopaedic surgeon first resurfaces the knee joint. Next comes replacement of the weight-bearing parts with an artificial joint. The new joint is made of metal, ceramic material, or high-density plastic parts, which may be joined to bone using acrylic cement. The surgery usually takes about two hours or less if there are no complications.

      You may spend three to five days recovering in the hospital before going home.

      Joint Replacement Recovery: What to Expect

      While you're still in the hospital, expect to begin walking with crutches or a walker. Medicines are available to help relieve pain. Physical therapy often begins the day after surgery. The gentle exercises help strengthen the muscles around the new joint and improve your ability to move it.

      Once you're home, follow your doctor's instructions and advice about eating, medication, and exercise.

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